Spring Gala

Spring Gala

Spring Gala is NVS’s annual fundraiser to raise money in benefiting individuals with neurological conditions as they pursue their goal of returning to work. It is also a chance to meet, greet, and thank all of our sponsors.

Thank You for your Support! Our 2018 Gala was a success! We reached our goal and raised $35,000 this year!

The 14th NVS An-nual Gala, featuring Dr. Nick Poolos, took place at the Panoramic Room in the Pacific Medical Center. Thanks to all of our donor and sponsorship support we were able to reach our goal of $35,000.

Every year, the Neurology Vocational Services Unit Gala have brought people together to strengthen communities. Whether you are a community employer, clients receiving our services, or our NVSU supporters, we like to celebrate diversity, building community and empowering individuals with disabilities at this event. The year, we feature Nicholas Pete Poolos M.D., Ph.D.

Epilepsy Keynote Speaker: Dr. Poolos has concentrated his research in cellular neurophysiology with an emphasis on cellular and molecular causes of epilepsy with the goal of identifying novel targets for antiepileptic drug development. He is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Washington, Seattle. Before joining the UW faculty, he was an instructor in neurology and neuroscience at Baylor. He is also the chair of the professional advisory board of the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest. He is a renown neurologist who specializes in epilepsy! He will be sharing his experience through the years, and how integration and inclusion in vocational or avocational activities are impactful for individuals living with epilepsy.

The Gala is our major fundraising event of the year Neurology Vocational Services Unit (NVSU) at Harborview is the only full-service program providing a comprehensive array of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with neurological conditions in the Northwest. NVSU has been providing Northwest companies with quality job applicants since 1976. Its mission is to assist individuals with neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, brain injury, etc.) rejoin the job market and lead satisfying and productive lives.

SPONSORSHIP /ITEM DONATION

If you would like to sponsor or donate an item for the event, please contact Eleanor Pawley, Community Liaison, at epawley@uw.edu or call 206-744-9130.

We did it! We met our goal and raised over $32,000!

This year’s Gala was very well attended – thank you so much! It was a glorious Sunday afternoon, with a 270° view of the city,mountains, and our waters from the Panorama Room atop the striking Pacific Medical Center building

There was both a silent and live auction. Fabulous entertainment was provided by Jay Cates and Melanie Granger with the Push 4 Love group. We were delighted to recognize Keirré Searles as our successful “Client of the Year” for her work in development with the Renton Chamber of Commerce.

A highlight was the presentation by Dr. Stan Herring and TBI survivor Zackery Lystedt. Dr. Herring spoke on key issues related to concussion in both the NFL and high school football. Zach told his courageous story of his middle school football injury and his challenging course of rehabilitation and subsequent successful employment.

Thanks to the Lystedt family’s story and the support of concerned community professionals, including Dr. Herring, the Lystedt Law, which protects concussed school athletes from being prematurely returned to play following an injury, has expanded from the state of Washington to now include the entire country.
Jeff Stokes and his auction team once again provided a fun and competitive atmosphere for the live items, while wrangling multiple offers for items such as Amy and Rick’s Hawaiian Condo donation. Thanks to all our contributors, including Jeff, the fine FareStart catering, our entertainers, the NVS board, NVSU staff’s hard work, and Dr. Herring and Zack Lystedt for providing a very rich Gala experience. The bids and raised paddles also made for a very successful day financially – consequently, we can continue to support our community efforts with three paid part-time NVS job coaches who assist our clients in securing and retaining employment.